(HARTFORD, CT) — Connecticut’s Old State House will kick off America’s 250th birthday as part of First Night Hartford festivities on December 31. Those with a First Night pin are invited to stop by the museum between 2:00 pm and 5:45 pm for family-friendly activities related to the Revolutionary War. A national historic landmark, Connecticut’s Old State House is located at 800 Main Street, a short walk to Bushnell Park for those who want to observe the first fireworks show at 6:00 p.m. Those planning to participate in First Night can get their pins online at https://firstnighthartford.org.
To kick off the New Year at the Old State House – and the 250th anniversary of the Revolution – this First Night will feature Hamilton Karaoke in honor of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, General Rochambeau, and the Marquis de Lafayette, who met on the site of Connecticut’s Old State House in September 1780 during a pivotal moment in the war against Britain.
Since Connecticut played an outsized role in provisioning the Continental Army, First Night revelers will also participate in a Provisions State Scavenger Hunt while they explore the Old State House, take part in crafts with the creative team from Night Fall, make tricorn hats, and try on Revolutionary War costumes in the Senate Chamber.
“First Night is the perfect time to start the celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Nicole Sousa, Events & Outreach Manager. Museum educators at Connecticut’s Old State House, dressed in period attire, will answer questions and talk with visitors about the fascinating events that took place in the historic halls.
“Because Connecticut’s Old State House is centrally located, we hope everyone will start their New Year’s by stopping by and stepping back in time to learn more about Connecticut’s important role in the founding of our country,” she said. Connecticut’s Old State House will follow up with a series of events throughout 2026 focused on America’s 250th Anniversary. For more information, visit www.ctoldstatehouse.org.
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Located in downtown Hartford, Connecticut’s Old State House served as one of Connecticut’s state capitols from 1796 to 1878 and Hartford City Hall from 1878 to 1915. Beautifully restored and preserved, this museum and civic space was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and now operates under a public-private partnership between the Connecticut General Assembly and The Connecticut Democracy Center. Connecticut Old State House is recognized for statewide educational programming, including Connecticut History Day, We The People: The Citizen and the Constitution, Project Citizen, and Connecticut’s Kid Governor®.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release -December 11, 2025
CONTACT: Barbara Dell, Marketing Manager
(860) 246-1553 ext.116 barbara.dell@ctdemocracycenter.org